Destination Guide

Overview of Garden Route The stretch of southern coastline between the town of Heidelberg and the Tsitsikamma National Park makes up 's well-travelled Garden Route. Travellers will find a scattering of popular resort towns, spectacular mountain ranges, scenic lakes, indigenous forests, golden beaches, and secluded bays. The main cities on the route are George and . George is a bustling commercial centre with some good hotels, making it a convenient central point from which to explore the coastal region. George is also close to : site of the world-renowned Cango Caves, and home to several ostrich farms that offer entertaining and educational tours. Other popular holiday towns on the Garden Route include , Wilderness, Nature's Valley, and . The Garden Route encompasses a wide variety of attractions from historic sites to scenic vistas, with the spectacular beaches and nature reserves the main highlight. There are ample opportunities to interact with nature, and visitors may spot whales, dolphins, seals, baboons, and nearly 300 species of bird. To make the most of the area, travellers need to stray from the national highway and explore the towns, villages, and resorts en route. Fortunately, this major highway makes roadtripping easy. A fun way of enjoying the scenery is to ride on the Outeniqua Choo-Choo vintage steam train between George and Knysna. There are also great recreational opportunities to enthral active holidaymakers, from bungee jumping and water sports, to hiking trails and canopy tours.

Key Facts

Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, including , English, Xhosa, Zulu, and Sotho. English is widely spoken. Passport/Visa: Passports should be valid for at least 30 days beyond the period of intended stay. An onward or return ticket is required, as is evidence of sufficient funds. Note that visitors to South Africa must have at least one blank (unstamped) visa page in their passport, each time entry is sought; this page is in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. However, nationals of countries that require a visa before travelling to South Africa, must have two blank pages in their passport - one for issuing a visa prior to departure and one for stamping at the port of entry when entering South Africa. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. The South African Immigration Authorities do not accept loose leaf temporary travel documents. Note that South Africa's immigration laws have changed dramatically over the last two years, and there may be some confusion as to the correct procedure. Currency: South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, and the larger hotels. ATMs are widely available and major international credit cards are widely accepted. Visitors should be vigilant when drawing cash from ATMs, as con artists are known to operate there. All commercial banks will exchange foreign currency. Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs and round, two-pin plugs are standard.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Garden Route Climate for Garden Route The Garden Route has a maritime Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The area experiences the most rainfall in South Africa, though this seldom hinders travellers from enjoying the beauty of the region. The half of the Garden Route has a similar climate to , with most rain falling in the winter months (June to August). In the and approaching , rain tends to fall predominantly during the summer months (December to February). The fact that the route winds along the coast ensures that the weather can be rather unpredictable and rain is always a possibility. Average temperatures from December to March (summer and early spring) are about 75ºF (24ºC) to 86ºF (30ºC), while the average winter temperature is 64ºF (18ºC). As these averages suggest, the Garden Route is seldom uncomfortably hot or cold. The Garden Route is stunning in any weather, making it a year-round destination. That said, some of the main attractions are beaches and hikes, meaning they're at their best in late spring, summer and early autumn (anytime between October and March). Travellers should bear in mind that the main resorts become extremely crowded over the Christmas period. Health Notes when travelling to South Africa Health regulations in South Africa require that travellers from areas infected by yellow fever must carry a vaccination certificate; otherwise no vaccinations are required. There is a malaria risk in the low-lying areas of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga (including the ), as well as northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, and precautions are advised when travelling to these areas, especially between October and May. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Tap water is generally safe in urban areas but sterilisation is advisable elsewhere, as there are periodic outbreaks of cholera in the poor communities of rural South Africa, particularly in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces. Medical facilities in South Africa are good in urban areas, but medical insurance is strongly advised as private hospitals expect cash up front and public hospitals are best avoided. Medication is readily available in urban areas, but those travelling outside of major cities for an extended period should bring a basic supply kit for emergency self-treatment. Safety Notes when travelling to South Africa Safety is an issue and visitors to South Africa should be aware of the country's high crime rate. Violent crime tends to be concentrated in pockets throughout the country and travellers should do some research to find out which areas to avoid. For instance, Berea and Hillbrow in Johannesburg are high-risk areas, and areas in general are dangerous for foreigners. There is a risk of petty, opportunistic crime in all urban areas and armed robberies are fairly common in Johannesburg. Travellers should always be aware of these risks and exercise the necessary precautions. Carjackings and smash-and-grab robberies are common in major cities, and doors should be locked when driving and bags and valuables should be kept out of sight. Travellers should not walk alone at night in any area, and should be vigilant when using ATMs. They should not display signs of wealth (e.g. mobile phones, money, expensive jewellery, cameras) on the streets. Credit card fraud is on the increase and travellers should be vigilant and never allow their card out of their sight. It is worthwhile noting that the South African authorities do give high priority to the protection of tourists. Although crime rates are high in South Africa, popular tourist sites and the main hotel areas tend to be safe and most visits are trouble-free. Customs in South Africa South African culture and etiquette in urban areas is very Western. While standards of dress vary, beachwear should generally not to be worn off the beach, and nude sunbathing is only permissible in a few designated areas. Homosexuality is legal and accepted in urban areas without much fuss, but it is frowned on by some conservative South Africans and can be a problem in township areas. Although locals may complain loudly about the country and government, they will take offense if a foreigner is critical. Racism is a sensitive issue; however, interracial relationships are now common and widely accepted. South African racial terminology differs from what is acceptable in North America: the terms 'black' and 'white' are appropriate for those of African and Caucasian descent, respectively. 'Coloured' refers not to black Africans, but those of mixed African and European descent and is not considered an offensive term. South Africans are friendly and hospitable, and will often go out of their way to assist tourists who need help.

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Duty Free in South Africa Travellers to South Africa do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres wine and 1 litre spirits; perfume up to 50ml and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods to the value of R5,000. All other goods brought in from abroad by South African residents must be declared on arrival. These will be subject to import duties. For goods to be re-imported, travellers must complete a DA65 or NEP-form that is issued on departure. Prohibited items include meat and dairy products, all medication except for personal consumption, flick knives, ammunition, explosives and pornography containing minors and bestiality. Doing Business in South Africa Business practices in South Africa are influenced by South Africa's range of ethnicities, languages and even geographical areas, but in general follow common patterns. When doing business in South Africa it is important to be culturally sensitive and as understanding of colleagues' historical context as possible. Most South Africans prefer to do business with contacts they've met before, but they are also warm and open to newcomers. Working to build and maintain business relationships is vitally important in the South African business environment. South Africans are renowned for their friendliness which generally supersedes business formality. Most large corporations, as well as the banking and financial sector, still adopt relatively formal business practices, whereas other companies and work environments enjoy more relaxed and personable atmospheres. Clear management hierarchies and respect for senior executives and colleagues are of paramount importance. However, business exchanges and decision-making processes often take on an egalitarian aspect. As with most countries, punctuality is highly regarded. However, government officials are notorious for their tardiness when it comes to keeping time. Dress codes tend to be conservative, but not overly formal. Suits are the exception more than the rule, but dressing stylishly will always count in your favour. It is best to dress formally for initial meetings. South Africans value hard work and respect those who succeed. However, they are mindful of other aspects of life such as healthy living, family and nurturing relationships - all of which add up to a well-balanced life. Generally South Africans are regarded as relaxed and informal with regards to introductions and the handling of business cards. Shaking hands is common for both men and women. The giving of gifts is uncommon and unnecessary. The official language of business in South Africa is English. Business hours tend to start at 8:30am or 9am and the day comes to a close at 5pm, or later in the major urban centres. Working over weekends tends to be quite rare in South Africa. Communication in South Africa The international access code for South Africa is +27. Mobile phone networks are available across the country, and there are roaming agreements with most international mobile operators. Mobile service providers offer very cheap 'pay-as-you-go' SIM cards, which are a good option for visitors staying for some time. Wifi is easily available, especially in the larger cities. Tipping in South Africa Tips of at least 10 percent are expected for good service if a service charge is not included in the bill. Tipping for services rendered is widely anticipated by porters, taxi drivers and petrol attendants. Golf caddies should be tipped accordingly. 'Car guards' operate in the city centres and tourist spots and will offer to look after parked car; they are usually immigrants from neighbouring countries looking for work and will expect anything from R8 upwards on the driver's return, depending on how long the driver will have been away. Passport/Visa Note Passports should be valid for at least 30 days beyond the period of intended stay. An onward or return ticket is required, as is evidence of sufficient funds. Note that visitors to South Africa must have at least one blank (unstamped) visa page in their passport, each time entry is sought; this page is in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. However, nationals of countries that require a visa before travelling to South Africa, must have two blank pages in their passport - one for issuing a visa prior to departure and one for stamping at the port of entry when entering South Africa. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. The South African Immigration Authorities do not accept loose leaf temporary travel documents. Note that South Africa's immigration laws have changed dramatically over the last two years, and there may be some confusion as to the correct procedure.

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Attractions in Garden Route The Garden Route is famous for road tripping, beach lounging, and hiking opportunities. Hiking the phenomenal Otter Trail is arguably the best way to experience the region. The five-day trek stretches from the beautiful Storm's River estuary to the much-loved Nature's Valley and is highly recommended. Numerous shorter walking trails also traverse the coastal strip, and there are many picturesque campsites. The National N2 Highway runs the length of the Garden Route. Travellers can simply stay on this highway and stop at most of the main towns and villages for which the route is known. The N2 takes travellers from Cape Town past Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and the (famous for bungee jumping). It continues all the way up past Jeffrey's Bay to Port Elizabeth. But it is recommended that tourists leave the highway to explore some of the more unspoilt areas if they have the time. The route is a fun pilgrimage for surfers, with Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay, Cape St Francis, and Jeffrey's Bay all providing spectacular surf breaks. Knysna and Nature's Valley are two of the highlights along the Garden Route and shouldn't be missed.

Tsitsikamma National Park Tsitsikamma is a word of the indigenous Khoi- meaning 'place of many waters'. It accurately describes the beautiful 50-mile (80km) stretch of coastline that makes up the Tsitsikamma National Park. The park is Africa's oldest and largest marine reserve, and contains many attractions, including a giant Outeniqua yellowwood tree that is hundreds of years old. The region is criss-crossed by hiking trails, including the world-renowned Otter Trail (a five-day hike), which starts at Storm's River and runs along 25 miles (41km) of spectacular coastline to Nature's Valley. A number of private operators offer numerous adventure activities in the area, such as black-water rafting and abseiling, mountain bike tours and fishing trips. A particularly exciting diversion is to undertake a canopy tour of the forest, gliding across the treetops on steel cables strung between platforms. The most popular bases for exploring the area are Wilderness, Knysna, and the aforementioned Nature's Valley. All are charming coastal towns that offer comfortable campsites and luxury lodges. Tsitsikamma National Park serves as the highlight of South Africa's famous Garden Route.

Website: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/

Mossel Bay Mossel Bay is the largest city on the Garden Route and is situated roughly half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It is renowned as the Adventure Capital of the Garden Route and enjoys an ideal climate, with an average of 320 days of sunshine per year and a moderate winter. Mossel Bay was discovered by Bartholomew Dias in 1488. He was the first European to land in South Africa. He was rounding the southernmost point of Africa, Cape Agulhas, when a strong wind blew him off course, into the protected bay of St Blaize, now called Mossel Bay. Here he found fresh water and set up a stop-over point for trade ships that were sailing to the East. Many explorers and traders placed important letters in an old shoe under a huge Milkwood tree which is now more than 500 years old. Today, letters are still posted from the Old Post Office Tree. Adventure junkies come to Mossel Bay for a range of activities in the immediate vicinity: shark cage diving; sand boarding the longest sand dune in South Africa; feeding, riding, and picnicking with elephants; safaris with the Big Five; exploring the predator park where visitors can view white lions and tigers; tandem skydiving; dolphin and whale-watching boat trips; scuba diving; abseiling; helicopter flights, and more. Other more sedate attractions include the largest shell museum in South Africa; an indigenous botanical garden with a braille trail fragranced for the sight impaired; a life-sized replica of Bartholomew Dias' caravel style ship; St Blaize Lighthouse and cave; and several world-class golf courses. Mossel Bay is also well known for its wide selection of restaurants and excellent seafood. Many different types of accommodation are on offer, from budget backpackers to five star hotels. There are eight sandy white beaches to relax on and enjoy the sunshine.

Website: http://www.mosselbay.net

Wilderness

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Set on the Touws River estuary, the beautiful town of Wilderness is fast developing into a plethora of luxury holiday homes. The surrounds the destination and tempts paddlers with about nine miles (15km) of inland waterways. Park wardens offer some wonderful canoe trips and hiking trails, and numerous accommodation facilities are available. If relaxation is the priority, visitors will find an idyllic coastline, where lovely rock pools are exposed at low tide and long swathes of sand invite sun-bathing. Swimmers should note that while the sea is pleasantly warm in summer, the coastline can receive some dangerous currents. Fortunately, lifeguards are almost always present on the main beach in season. Wilderness is a favourite stop on the Garden Route and is close to a number of other popular coastal towns and villages, such as Knysna and Nature's Valley. The city of George is also nearby if travellers wish to visit malls or go to the cinema.

Nature's Valley One of the most beautiful nooks of a decidedly beautiful country, Nature's Valley is an enchanting and relatively undiscovered holiday resort on the Garden Route. Located about 18 miles (29km) from Plettenberg Bay and surrounded by the Tsitsikamma National Forest, Nature's Valley is a gorgeously lush area of tall bearded trees, monkey ropes, and rich bird life. It also happens to sport one of the prettiest coastlines in the country. Featuring great weather all year round and a decided lack of non-essential infrastructure, Nature's Valley is the perfect place to go for tourists looking to relax and rejuvenate in peace and quiet. There are plenty of scenic walks and hiking trails for adventure enthusiasts. In fact, Nature's Valley marks the end of the Otter Trail, one of South Africa's most famous hikes. Canoeing down the river and swimming in the sheltered lagoon are also fun excursions. Accommodation in Nature's Valley comes in all shapes and sizes: from luxury villas which can be rented on a monthly basis, to the excellent Wild Spirit Lodge and Backpacker Hostel, which offers affordable lodging in a funky and eco-friendly environment.

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Airports in Garden Route (GRJ) George Airport www.airports.co.za Location: Garden Route The airport is situated around five and a half miles (9km) from George. Time: GMT +2 Contacts: Tel: +27 44 876 9310. Getting to the city: Taxis are the only form of transport between the city and the airport. There are a small number of private companies operating on this route. Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and Europcar. Airport Taxis: Facilities: Facilities include foreign exchange, ATMs for Nedbank and Standard Bank, conference facilities, cafés, and a few snack shops. The airport caters for disabled passengers. Parking:

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Currency South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, and the larger hotels. ATMs are widely available and major international credit cards are widely accepted. Visitors should be vigilant when drawing cash from ATMs, as con artists are known to operate there. All commercial banks will exchange foreign currency.

Exchange rate for 1 ZAR - South African Rand 0.06 BMD 0.06 EUR 0.06 USD 0.04 GBP 6.98 JPY 0.08 CAD Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar 0.06 CHF 0.09 AUD 1.61 UAH 21.64 KZT 96.51 LBP 0.05 LYD Swiss Franc Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar 0.44 BOB 6.91 NPR 0.02 OMR 0.23 QAR 0.09 SGD 0.53 SEK Bolivian Boliviano Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona 0.42 TTD 0.64 VEF 2.94 DOP 0.43 HRK 1.19 MXN 37.58 XOF Trinidad Tobago Dollar Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc 0.20 PGK 0.06 BSD 0.14 FJD 1.45 HNL 7.08 DZD 76.35 MMK Papua New Guinean kina Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat 0.72 BWP 0.22 PEN 44.45 CLP 30.64 AMD 1.55 CZK 1.28 MDL Botswana Pula Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei 7.97 ISK 188.35 UZS 0.25 ILS 0.05 JOD 0.02 KWD 2.01 UYU Icelandic Krona Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso 2.28 MUR 1.83 NIO 0.53 NOK 0.25 PLN 0.24 SAR 9.36 LKR Mauritian Rupee Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee 2.28 THB 0.24 AED 0.23 BRL 0.26 RON 0.50 HKD 37.66 XAF Thai Baht U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc 1,440.46 VND 0.89 ARS 0.17 XCD 0.50 GTQ 0.63 MAD 0.02 BHD Vietnamese Dong Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar 0.06 PAB 0.10 AZN 199.83 COP 4.38 KGS 17.93 HUF 0.50 TJS Panamanian Balboa Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble 876.99 IDR 0.57 EGP 76.34 KRW 363.37 PYG 0.27 MYR 34.53 CRC Indonesian Rupiah Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón 0.09 NZD 6.71 PKR 4.28 RUB 0.14 TND 0.13 BBD 0.11 BGN Dollar Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 0.19 TRY 2.99 PHP 2.09 TWD 12.59 NGN 6.87 XPF 0.25 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 8.01 JMD 0.12 ANG 0.09 BND 7.09 RSD 0.42 CNY 1,275.35 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 0.43 DKK 0.22 TMT 4.31 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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Plettenberg Bay Overview

The upmarket holiday town of Plettenberg Bay, about 380 miles (600km) from Cape Town and 125 miles (200km) from Port Elizabeth, was originally called Bahia Formosa(Beautiful Bay) by the early Portuguese explorers, and it is still possible to see why, despite explosive development of luxury homes, hotels and a thriving town centre. The town - familiarly known as 'Plett' - is a favourite holiday destination for South Africans and foreigners alike with its unspoilt golden beaches, year-round Mediterranean climate, dramatic rocky Robberg Peninsula, and vibrant nightlife. The bay is a nursery for the endangered Southern Right Whales, which arrive each winter and spring to calve.

Shopping in Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay's shopping malls and a variety of shops provide everything that is needed by travellers, including clothing and speciality goods at several boutiques where souvenir-hunters can also find arts, crafts and antiques. Plett is by no means a shopper's paradise, but the town is well-equipped for self-caterers and holidaymakers.

Dining in Plettenberg Bay

There are plenty of dining opportunities in Plettenberg Bay, from beach pubs, bistros and deli's to five star cuisine and award-winning à la carte menus. Foodies will find Thai, Italian, fresh seafood, steak and a variety of other choices on offer.

Activities in Plettenberg Bay

Although Plett is a small town, the nightlife is fairly lively, yet laidback. Choices are somewhat limited. In summer most action takes place on or near the beach, beginning with sundowners in typical South African style at one of the lovely beach bars, but there are a few fun pubs and clubs for later evening entertainment with pool tables, live music and dancing. Travellers should note that Plett is one of a handful of South African coastal towns that draw massive crowds of school graduates at the end of the academic year (late November and early December), meaning that during this time the town is crowded and the nightlife is extremely frisky.

Things to be aware of in Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay is best avoided over the Christmas holiday period when prices are double, accommodation is impossible to find and everything gets very crowded.

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Knysna Overview

The beautiful town of Knysna is clustered around a vast tidal lagoon which opens to the sea through a narrow inlet guarded by two sandstone cliffs known as 'The Heads'. Arguably the most popular holiday hub of the Garden Route, Knysna draws more visitors than it can cope with, particularly during the peak summer holiday season. The town has an interesting history, having started as a point of export for timber cut from the surrounding dense forests (which have been badly denuded as a result). In the early 19th century, Knysna was almost solely owned by the enigmatic character George Rex, who was believed to be the illegitimate son of King George III of England. Rex fathered 13 children and is a legend in the Knysna area. The town features some quaint Victorian houses, a modern commercial waterfront development, a lovely sandy beach at Leisure Isle on the east side of the lagoon, and some good shopping for local arts and crafts in the crowded town centre. There are some lovely scenic drives and walking trails through the remaining indigenous forests in the area, and sampling Knysna oysters and locally-brewed Mitchell's beer while on holiday here is highly recommended. The best time to visit Knysna is during its annual Oyster Festival, held every July, which includes live music, food, sporting events, and of course oysters!

Shopping in Knysna

Knysna's three shopping malls have a variety of shops, and there are numerous local art, craft and curio shops in and around the town centre.

Dining in Knysna

In and around Knysna one will find a selection of fine restaurants, seafood taverns, pubs, coffee shops and eateries. The waterfront has a variety of restaurants, serving food like oysters and seafood as well as traditional South African fare. There are fine dining options and international fare includes Mexican, Italian, Moroccan and Asian.

Activities in Knysna

As evidenced by its popular food and music festivals, Knysna is an entertainment hub on the Garden Route and boasts a vibrant nightlife. This picturesque small town is home to more than 50 restaurants and pubs. There are also a handful of vibey dance clubs and live music venues. December and January is peak season in Knysna, with crowds of night-time revellers descending from along the coast; in the winter off-season the town is significantly quieter.

Things to be aware of in Knysna

In the peak summer holiday season, Knysna gets very crowded and accommodation is difficult to find. The national highway N2 passes through the centre of town and traffic jams are common.

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